Vent pipe support



Aug. 11, 1953 Filed Feb. 1, 1949 s. EPSTEIN 264851 1 VENT PIPE SUPPORT 2 Sheets-Sheet l $AUL EPSTE/N,

INVENTOR.

v HUEBNER, BEEHLER, WORPEL,

, HERZ/G 8 CALDWELL,

" ATTORNEYS.

Aug. 11, 1953 s. EF'STEIN I VENT PIPE SUPPORT 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 1, 1949 5 v if SAUL EPSTEl/V,

INVENTOR. BEE'HLER, WOPREL,

HUEBNER,

HERZ/G 8 CALDWELL, A T TJORNEKS". w /W Patented Aug. 11, 1953 UNITE STATES TENT OFFICE VENT PIPE SUPPORT Saul Epstein, Los Angeles, Calif.

Application February 1, 1949, Serial No. 74,027

16 Claims. 1

This invention relatesv to supports for vent piping in building structures. It has particular relation to new and improved vent pot hangers, a new and improved hanger pot construction, and to a new and improved combination of these for supporting vent piping as between ceiling joists of building structures. An improved relationship between the vent piping, the building and the hanger is also contemplated.

In conventional building construction, both residential and commercial, a vent pot is placed in the ceiling usually between joists in various positions as required. Sometimes one side of the pot is nailed to an adjacent joist directly if the position of said joist coincides with the desired generally in a straight line through the roof. It a.

should also hold the pot and pipe against lateral movement.

Although conventional vent pots are made of a fireproof material, such as sheet metal, with apertures therein to permit free circulation of air between a pipe and surrounding structure and to retain the pipe at a desired low temperature, as compared to the usually hot gases escaping through the vent, a certain fire hazard is presented. Moreover, considerable time is expended and materials wasted through the usually inartistic installation efforts of the heating and vent-installing personnel who are more frequently schooled. in the sheet metal rather than in the carpentry art.

In light of the above, this invention has among its objects the provision of a fireproof vent pipe hanger and pot construction.

The invention also has as an object the provision of an improved cooperative function be tween the vent pipe and the hanger bars, and optionally, between the pipe, the bars, and the pot.

It also has among its objects the provision of an improved adjustable pot hanger construction.

Other objects of the invention are the provision in an adjustable pot hanger construction of novel and improved means for securing and/or supporting the pot on the hanger, and new and improved means for securing the vent pipe in a stabilized central location.

Other more specific objects of the invention include the provision of a sheet metal bracket, hanger and pot construction having a flexibility of use, rigidity of construction, facility of inthereon at circumferentially spaced 2 stallation, and ready producibility upon a mass production basis at low unit cost.

Further specific objects of the invention include the provision of novel and improved means. for positioning the hanger between joists by securing the same thereto and providing a new and improved demountable, universally adaptable, integral bracket hanger bar and pot construction.

The invention also has among its objects the provision of improvement in design and operation of the hanger structure and pot for ease of use thereof including provision of improvements over prior art devices heretofore contemplated for generally similar purposes.

With these and other objects in view, the invention consists in the construction, arrangement and combination of the various parts of the device whereby the objects contemplated are attained, as hereinafter set forth, pointed out in the appended claims, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional View of a portion of a building structure showing a hanger and pot in side elevational View as installed in said building and embodying this invention.

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view taken as on a line 2-2 of Figure 1 Figure 3 is a plan sectional view taken as on a line 33 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a hanger bracket embodying this invention.

Figure 5 is a similarly enlarged perspective view of a hanger pot embodying this invention.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an end portion of a hanger bar embodying this invention.

Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a collar used in this invention.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, there is illustrated a vent pipe If! installed between the roof H and ceiling generally designated at l2 of a building fragmentarily illustrated. The pipe I!) is surmounted by a flashing or hood [3, an optional storm collar Hi, and a ventilator cowl H5.

The pipe It] is supported by a pot is supported as between adjacent parallel ceiling joists H and 58 by means of a hanger generally designated at 25 preferably comprising brackets and bars later to be described and which, alone and together with the pot I6, embody essential features of this invention.

The vent pot 16 or pipe supporting bucket is preferably formed with cylindrical side Walls or wall 2| and a fiat bottom 22. The bottom edge 23 may be turned over as at 24 uniting the bottom and the walls 2 I. The bottom may also be formed with any number of circumferentially spaced holes 25 for circulation of air from a point as in 3 a room below the ceiling |2 to a space 26 between the vent pipe I!) and the wall 2| of the pot. The bottom end 21 of the pipe conventionally rests directly upon the bottom 22 of the pot and is given its primary support thereby.

The sides 2| of the pot are, like the bottom 22 and the other parts of the hanger, preferably made of sheet metal formed with any number of reinforcing beads 28 and 29 and having an inwardly turned top edge 30. The bead 29 may lie at and index the top of the plaster line. Openings 3| and 32 may be formed upon one side of the pot in circumferential spaced relationship corresponding to other holes 34 and 35 formed in opposed relationship thereto on an opposite side of the pot. Said holes, as illustrated, are preferably bell-shaped, having convex side edges 40 and 4|, respectively. Corners 42 of the openings, as shown, may provide a clearance for the reception of the bottom edges 44 and 45 of hanger bars 41 and 48. These are preferably, but not necessarily, of substantially V-shaped cross-section throughout their lengths and are respectively extensible through corresponding openings 3|, 32, 34, and 35.

The bars 4'! and 48, as shown, are each formed with tapered sides 58 and which respectively confront the side edges 40 and 4| of the openings 3|, 32, 34, and 35. Any shaped edge 54, flat as shown, but optionally curved on the hanger bars is slidable against or clears the upper edge 55 of each of said holes.

The preferred shape and size of the holes 3 l, 32, 34, and 35 are such that the hanger bars 41 and 48 are normally pinched between the side edges 40 and 4| of each hole when the pot is in its normal undistorted and uncompressed, via, round condition. The relationship of, the pot to the bars is preferably such, however, that when the pot is squeezed inwardly, as in the direction of the horizontal arrows 95 (Figures 1, 3, and 5) between the bars, the pot wall is bent outwardly in a direction at right angles to the axis of the bars 41 and 48, as indicated by vertical arrows 91 in Figure 3, thereby releasing the bars for a longitudinal slidable movement within the holes 3 32, 34, and 35 in which they are pinched.

The ends 58 of each bar may be optionally formed with terminal shoulders 59 and, optionally also, with a restricted inwardly ofiset wall portion 68 on each side 50 and 5|. The ends 58, as at the restricted portion 60, may be forced into slots 62 formed in offset portions 63 or projecting ears of a pair of hanger brackets 64 (Figure 4). Said slots 62 are preferably formed with an upper tapered portion 65, a central restricted portion 66, and an enlarged lower end 61 so that the bars 41 and 48 may be pressed into place downwardly between the tapered sides 65 of the slots thereby pinching the sides 58 and 5| together in said restricted portion 60 and holding them in place by a snap action in the bottom end portion 66 of the slots.

Inasmuch as the bars 41 and 48 are formed of sheet metal, or like resilient material, their engagement within the slots 62 is preferably only frictional so that they may be moved longitudinally within said slot within the limits of the shoulders 59 and other spaced shoulders 68 formed in the bars. The bars are thereby adjustable longitudinally to permit the spacing of the brackets 64 relatively closer together or farther apart as required for varying spacing of the joists l1 and I8 within conventional limits and virtually any tolerances.

Each bracket 64 may be further provided with a pointed car 10 lying in a horizontal plane. Any number of reinforcing beads H or the like may be formed in each bracket.

In the use of the instant hanger apparatus, the brackets 64 are individually placed adjacent the inner surfaces of parallel adjacent joists H or l8 with the lower edge 8| of the bracket flush with the bottom 82 of the joist. In this position, the joists l1 and 8 being of wood with the grain running longitudinally, the pointed ears 10 may be forced into said joists by pressure of the palm of the hand against the body of the hanger bracket. The car 10 provides suflicient support for the brackets to hold them in place until they can be nailed more firmly in position as by nails 85 inserted through holes 86 formed in the bracket preferably in positions of disalignment in order to avoid splitting of the joists.

After the brackets have been nailed in place, the hanger bars 41 and 48 are inserted through the openings 3|, 32, and 34, 35, respectively, by squeezing opposite sides 88 and 89 of the pot together when gripping the pot adjacent the inwardly turned edge 30 causing the pot to bulge in a direction at right angles to the applied pressure. The bars will thereby be pinched in said holes and held against slidable movement when the pot is permitted to return to its normal undistorted shape.

After insertion of the bars in their respective holes in the pot, the ends of the bars are forced downwardly into the notches 62 where they are resiliently latched into place against lateral removal by the enlarged lower end 66 of the slot. In view of the fact that the joists I! and I8 may be spaced slightly over or under their standard center to center measurement, the restricted end portions 60 are slidable or engageable within the notches over any portion of the total length of said portion 60 for correction of such variation.

It is desirable that the bottom 22 of the pot lie in the plane of the ceiling and it is accordingly constructed to conform to the plaster line as is also optionally the reinforcing bead 29 upon the pot when an index provided as by the bottom edges 8| of the brackets 64 is placed flush with the bottom edge of the joists.

It will be apparent that the bars 41 and 48, while preferably of the form shown, may be made in any desired cross-sectional shape and may be solid or hollow or partly solid and partly hollow and they may be made in curved, heart-shaped, clover leaf-shaped, square, U-shaped, or other desired cross-section. Moreover, in lieu of the holes 3|, 32, 34, and 35 in the pot, brackets may be provided above or at one side of the hanger and the bars may then be supported either in a similar manner to that shown or above the joists to hold the pot in a desired position. Obviously, one or both brackets may be omitted and the bar structure directly secured to the joists. If only one bracket is retained, a single U-shaped bar may be secured by its legs in said bracket, as shown, and the other or closed end may be connected by its cross arm directly to the opposite joist.

It is to be noted that the relationship of the hanger bars, the pot, and the vent pipe is preferably such that the positioning of the pipe in the pot between the hanger bars forces the latter apart and into a more or less firm binding relationship with the hanger bars. Preferably also, such spreading of the bars wedges the pipe between them, an action which is transmitted to the pot thereby pinching the bars against the pot for firmly positioning the same on the hanger. Optionally, only that wall portion of the bars contacting the pipe or thereadjacent need be flexed or distorted thereby.

Either after or prior to the installation of the pot and hangers, another flue or pipe Illa may be positioned within a central opening 3!} or optional knockout opening ltrt for a larger flue in the bottom of the pot. It will be noted that if the flue pipe liia is installed prior to the installation of the hangers and pot, the pot may be readily placed thereover and the hanger ends inserted in the brackets and firmly locked therein.

Any number of spaced tabs 9| may also be provided for centering and holding the pipe I!) within the pot. Such tabs are preferably positioned midway between the holes 3| and 3t, and also midway between the holes 32 and 35 so that when said tabs are bent inwardly to engage the pipe, as illustrated most clearly in Figure 3, movement of the pipe longitudinally of the hanger bars is restrained. By way of example, it has been found that the pot and brackets may be made of a 26 gauge and 22 gauge sheet metal, respectively, and the bars of 16 gauge metal, thereby creating a workable and entirely satisfactory apparatus.

While the snap action of the hanger bars in the bracket slots is desirable as giving the hanger structure a disassembled unity, such action is not essential to the proper functioning of the unit inamuch as the weight of the bars, the pot, and especially the pipe is ordinarily adequate to hold the bars in place within the bracket slots without such locking action.

The storm collar 14 has a relatively long outer edge 92. A laterally extending ear is formed along the opposite or inner edge at one end of the collar body and is bent over the collar to form a loop by means of an offset 93 through which an ear 94 formed in the other end 96 of the collar body is longitudinally insertable. Said car 94 is then bent back to lock the collar in place. An end 98 of the laterally extending ear may, in the fabrication of the collar, be secured to the body thereof as by riveting or spot-welding (not shown).

It is within the contemplation of the instant invention that the bucket hanger be suspended between or below the hanger bars and that extensions laterally or upwardly, including reinforcements or the like on the bucket sides, may be utilized for such suspension in lieu of the holes herein shown and described.

This invention features the provision of a preferable sheet metal hanger bracket and pot construction which may be readily and economically mass produced and which has convenient features of installation and universal adjustability and adaptability of the pot and hanger bar or bars, respectively.

Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent structures.

The invention having been herein described, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A hanger for a vertical vent pipe, said hanger comprising a vent pot means having a side and a bottom to receive the lower end of and support said pipe, said hanger further comprising bracket means adapted to be supported on adjacent ceiling joists, hanger bar means supported on said bracket means, and said pot supported on the hanger bar means, said bracket means comprising a sheet metal body including a surface for sccurement against the side of one of said joists and having means offset from the plane of said surface, vertical slots formed in the offset means, said slots each having a downwardly tapered upper end portion and an enlarged lower end portion, said hanger bar means being horizontally supportable on said bracket means and having compressible end portions normally thicker than the slots at their narrowest tapered portions adapted to be snapped downwardly into individual slots, said bar means being longitudinally adjustable in said slots, said pot including a bottom and a side wall, the side wall of the pot having receiving means for said bar, said bar means being longitudinally slidable in said bar receiving means, said bar receiving means including portions normally frictionally gripping said bar.

2. A hanger for a vent pipe, said hanger comprising a vent pot having a side and a bottom to receive and support said pipe, said hanger further comprising bracket means adapted to be supported on adjacent ceiling joists, hanger bar means of sheet metal having a substantially U- shaped cross-sectional configuration supported on said bracket means, and said vent pot supported on the hanger bar means, said bracket means comprising a sheet metal body including a surface for securement against the side of one of said joists and having means offset from the plane of said surface, vertical slots formed in the offset means, said slots each having a downwardly tapered upper end portion and an enlarged lower end portion, said hanger bar means being horizontally supportable on said bracket means and having compressible end portions adapted to be snapped downwardly into individual corresponding slots, said bar means being longitudinally adjustable in said slots.

3. A hanger for a vent pipe, said hanger comprising a vent pot adapted to receive and support said pipe, said hanger further comprising bracket means adapted to be supported on adjacent ceiling joints, hanger bar means of sheet metal having a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional'configuration supported on said bracket means, and said vent pot supported on the hanger bar means, said bracket means comprising a sheet metal body including a surface adapted for securement against the side of one of said joists and having means offset from the plane of said surface, vertical slots formed in the offset means, said slots each having a downwardly tapered upper end portion and an enlarged lower end portion, said hanger bar means being horizontally supportable on said bracket means and having compressible end portions adapted to be snapped downwardly into individual corresponding slots, said bar being longitudinally adjustable in said slots, said pot including a bottom and side wall opposite side wall portions of the pot defining receiving means for said bars comprising openings of substantially bell-shaped outline, said bars being longitudinally slidable in said bar receiving means, said bar receiving means including portions normally frictionall gripping said bars.

l. A hanger for a vent pipe, said hanger comprising a vent pot having a side and a bottom to 2,648,511 7 8 receive and support said pipe, said hanger fursitioning portions offset from the plane of said ther comprising bracket means adapted to be surface for holding and positioning the bracket supported on adjacent ceiling joists, sheet metal with reference to a building frame portion, a

W////% WZWOM slotform d in each 01TS6tp0siti0nin/g;/ r-

and said brackets having portions including complementary tongue and slot elements, said tongue elements being axially slidable in said slot elements for longitudinal adjustment of said hanger bars in selected spaced relationship relative to the plane of a corresponding bracket, said slot elements of said portions on said brackets being spaced upwardly substantially equal distances from bottom edges of the respective brackets, said bottom edges of said brackets being adapted for horizontal alignment with bottom edges of said joists respectively, whereby said vent pot normally depends from and between the bars to a predetermined level below a horizontal plane common to said bottom edges of said brackets.

11. A hanger as defined in claim 10, each of said elements in said portions on said bracket being ofiset and including a vertical slot formed therein, said tongue portions each comprising one end of said bars.

12. A hanger as defined in claim 10, said passageways each comprising aligned openings in said respective opposing portions of said pot, said pot walls being resiliently yieldable, said aligned openings being of a size loosely to accommodate the respective bars when said pot is squeezed in a direction parallel to the common axes of the respective aligned openings but upon being released normally binding said bars respectively within said aligned openings.

13. A hanger as defined in claim 10, portions of the arms of said U-shaped hanger bars defining cam surfaces, said bars being normally held in parallel spaced relationship within said respective passageways, and the cam surfaces of 10 opposing bars being adapted for Wedging a vent pipe therebetween.

14. A hanger as defined in claim 10, said means for securing said brackets comprising pointed ears extending outwardly normal to the plane of said brackets respectively.

15. A vent-pipe support comprising, in combination, a pair of brackets adapted to be attached, in opposed relation, to contiguous structural members of a building, each of the brackets having a pair of longitudinally spaced laterally projecting ears, a pair of cross-bars resting at their ends on said ears, and a pipe supporting bucket having side walls frictionally engageable between said cross-bars, said bucket being adjustable longitudinally of said cross-bars.

16. A vent-pipe support comprising, in combination, a pair of brackets adapted to be attached, in opposed relation, to contiguous structural members of a building, each of the brackets having longitudinally spaced laterally projecting elements, a pair of cross-bars resting at their ends on said elements, and a pipe supporting bucket having side walls supported on and between said cross-bars, said bucket being adjustable longitudinally of said cross-bars.

SAUL EPSTEIN.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 879,987 Thompson Feb. 25, 1908 1,328,647 Carl Jan. 20, 1920 1,619,385 Wallace Mar. 1, 1927 2,372,707 EBlome Apr, 3, 1945 

